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Message from Senator Syed Faisal Ali Subzwari Minister for Maritime Affairs (On the occasion of World Maritime Day 2022)

The Earth’s climate is changing remarkably, as the global temperature is increasing at an alarming rate. About 90% of the world's trade is transported by sea. But the cost to the environment is enormous.  The global shipping industry is coming under increasing pressure to cut the pollution created by the world's merchant fleet.  

The United Nations (UN), via the International Maritime Organization (IMO), created World Maritime Day to celebrate the international maritime industry's contribution towards the world's economy, especially in shipping. The Celebrations are held throughout the world to draw attention on the importance of shipping safety, maritime security and the marine environment. The theme set by IMO for the year 2022 for World Maritime Day is “New Technologies for Greener Shipping.”

The Green Shipping focus specifically on the shipping industry and the emissions from the shipping sector. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted an Initial Strategy to reduce at least 50% greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the global shipping sector by 2050, compared to 2008. Adopted by IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), during its 72nd session, the strategy has set out the future vision for international shipping, the levels of ambition to reduce GHG emissions, and guiding principles. 

Pakistan is party to IMO and number of international conventions and treaties for protection of the environment and biodiversity and has vowed to protect its marine environment. Pakistan Shipping Industry contributes immensely to the national economy of Pakistan. As 95% of its overall trade is carried through sea via shipping. Despite contributing less than 1% of the global greenhouse gasses, Pakistan is the fifth most vulnerable country to climate change yet Pakistan is doing utmost efforts to make Shipping Green. 

To promote Green Shipping, Ministry of Maritime Affairs has adopted mandatory measures to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from shipping by following all safety precautions. Major ports of Pakistan are; using diesel oil for crafts ensuring reduced SO2 and NO2 emissions, as compared to heavy fuel oil; carrying out night navigation to avoid congestion and limited time on outer anchorage; ensuring swift pilotage operations in order to carry out shipping activities in shortest possible time; following all safety precautions to avoid extra running of main engines and extra generators; carefully handling berthing and un-berthing of ship's programs to avoid unnecessary delays of vessels at berths and at anchorage, maintaining oil and garbage record books as per IMO regulations, undertaking maintenance of main and auxiliary engines through OEMs to ensure proper and stable working of machineries, and ensuring no emission of fumes and gases.

On this day, Ministry of Maritime Affairs reiterate its commitment towards Greener Shipping through advancement of eco-friendly technologies and preservation of its green marine environment.  

 Long Live Pakistan.